Sands End Swordsmen were the latest touring side to visit Menorca CC and they returned back to the UK having drawn a two match series with the hosts.
First blood went to the tourists in the Saturday game. Batting first Menorca posted a total of 217 for 6. Top scorer was Hepworth with 62 and he was well supported by J Brayne Junior who added 39. For Sands the bowling of Jackson had the most effective figures, ending the match with two wickets for 30 runs.
Sands End paced their innings well and finally won the game with four wickets in hand. Martin was the centrepiece of the tourists reply hitting an unbeaten 83 not out. Hodge also added a fine 44 to the Sands total of 218 for 6. Hepworth completed a great all round performance for Menorca by bagging two wickets for 30. Wilson also got two wickets for 28, whilst the returning Dan Ostenberry had one solitary over that yielded 29 runs.
The Sunday game saw Menorca square the series with a convincing 8 wicket victory. The Swordsmen batted first and were all out for 162. Foulkes hit 45 for the visitors whilst W Roussel, N Roussel, J Brayne Jr and Davies were all among the wickets without giving too many runs away with economical spells.
The home side chased down the total with the minimum of fuss, mainly thanks to an unbeaten 69 from Davies and yet another valuable contribution from Hepworth who hit 56.
Menorca v Sands End Swordsmen
Saturday 40 overs
Menorca 217-6 P Hepworth 62, J Brayne jnr 39, R Jackson 2-30
Sands End Swordsmen 218-6 C Martin 83* W Hodge 44, P Hepworth 2-30, G Wilson 2-28, D Osterberry 1-0-29-0 f&s
Sands End Swordsmen won by 4 wickets
———————————————————————————–
Menorca v Sands End Swordsmen
Sunday 40 overs
Sands End Swordsmen 162 B Foulkes 45, W Roussel 3-21, N Roussel 2-32, J Brayne snr 2-16, J Davies 2-42
Menorca 163-2 J Davies 69* P Hepworth 56